14 | Building a peoplecentred kaupapa Supporting apprentices and community endeavours through the business aligns with Te Putahi’s values. Northland: Te Putahi Projects T T Sue Russell “Te Putahi is the name of my mountain here in Northland. The whakatuaki recognises the value of returning to your ancestral mountains to be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whangārei Māori-owned construction and consultancy business Te Putahi Projects lives by its values and principles. Its kaupapa is to be a reliable, people-focussed solution provider in Northland’s construction industry, undertaking projects of many sizes and providing quality guidance and support to its clients. “Our goal is to simply put people first and have honesty and integrity at our core,” says Justin Roberts, who established Te Putahi Projects in 2019. Justin developed his own skills in construction, mostly in the North and then moved onto project and cost management largely in the South Island, supporting Christchurch’s rebuild – everything from new builds to strengthening and repairs of heritage buildings. But as he became more engaged in projects for iwi and hapū, Justin realised it was a space he wanted to increasingly direct his professional skills. “Guided by the Whakatauki, ‘Hokia ki ō maunga kia purea e koe I ngā hau o Tāwhirimātea’, my family and I realised we really wanted to return to the North. “Te Putahi is the name of my mountain here in Northland. The whakatuaki recognises the value of returning to your ancestral mountains to be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea.” Justin has since been involved in planning work for his own marae rebuild and has subsequently worked with Te Rarawa and Te Aupōuri in a consultancy capacity. “There’s a lot of building activity happening here driven by a need to provide whānau with decent healthy homes. Today, I have 15 builders and six in the office, so that’s a big leap since first beginning.” In the construction capacity we have a team working on a retirement village in Whangārei. The retirement village is a long-term commitment, with 220+ units and a hospital located in its centre. Work has also come through engaging with Kāinga Ora among other residential projects. Justin is pleased with the number of Māori apprentices he has on board. His vision is to provide opportunities to rangatahi and help them build a future through the trade. Fortunately, Justin has a solid team behind him to help bring these apprentices on. Ongoing support and training is offered with some apprentices undertaking practical courses each month through Te Pukenga (Northtec). Supporting apprentices and community endeavours through the business aligns with Te Putahi’s values, and Justin says it feels great to give back. He recognises he’s been given plenty of guidance and opportunities in himself in life and business. Justin says the recent down-turn has seen some projects slowing down in the region. “That’s the thing about working in the construction sector, there are swings and roundabouts, with one type of building work slowing down or stopping while another one picks up. I do have another big housing development of 18 two-storey units ahead based in Whangārei.” Five founding principles guide how the business operates and the teams conduct themselves. Mā te whakapono – By believing and trusting; Mā te whakaronga – By listening and hearing; Mā te mahi tahi – By working and striving together; Mā te manawanui – By patience and perseverance; Ka taea e tātou – We will succeed. And the values Justin and the team work with are also expressed in the company’s beautifully crafted logo, depicting Te Putahi, the mountain, in stylised form, with winds swirling around. “Like the strength of my ancestral mountain I strive for excellence in whatever I do and stand by the integrity and professionalism of our growing team.” Free measure, quote and consultation Email: sales@nulooknorthland.co.nz Or call in at 15 Waipanga Road, Kamo To nd out more call us on 09 435 0038 Windows Doors Commercial Balustrades NORTHLAND NORTHLANDNORTHLAND NORTHLAND NORTHLAND NORTHLAND www.nulooknorthland.co.nz NORTHLAND Proud to support Te Putahi Projects FOR HOUSE SITES AND Free quotes and genuine advice 021 404 467 info@wallisearthmoving.co.nz wallisearthmoving.co.nz
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